Day 3

Sutra 1.3

तदा द्रष्टुः स्वरूपेऽवस्थानम्॥३॥

tadā draṣṭuḥ sva-rūpe'vasthānam

Translation:

Then, the abiding of the seer is in their own true form. – CT
When that is accomplished, the seer abides in its own true nature. – EBF
Then the Seer (Self) abides in its own nature. – SS
When the Citta-Vṛtti-s no longer cloud perception, then pure awareness (Puruṣa) shines through and is experienced within oneself. – NB

Vocabulary:

tadā—then

draṣṭṛ—witness, the seer

avasthāna—remains

sva-rūpa—its own nature, it own form

Key Concepts

The seer here is referring to the seer of the self, of ones own individual inner light of consciousness, that is part of the universal spirit. (Puruṣa)

This sutra suggests that the inner light of consciousness resides in all beings. Our recognition of the light in others allows us to extend love and compassion to others.

Our experiences and education, our social and cultural conditioning all act as coverings over this inner light of awareness, distorting how we see and experience the world. Through meditation and other contemplative practices we become more friends with ourselves. We are more capable of seeing what influences the way that we experience ourselves in this world.

Practice

Prayer:

Guide me to that which is in my highest good. Help me to distinguish what nourishes my soul and what deteriorates my being. Lead me down the path of wisdom so that I may show up fully in each moment. Let my study be enlightening and fruitful. Allow my practice to benefit all beings. – Namaste

Pranayama:

Ujjayi Pranayama:

Take a comfortable seat, one that feels both regal and relaxed.
Turn your attention to your breath, closing your mouth inhale and exhale through both nostrils.
Start to restrict the throat so that you feel the breath from the throat to the heart, and it makes and oceanic sound.
Start to lengthen both the inhale and exhale so that they are balanced.
Feel the sensation of the body expanding in all directions during the inhalation and the contracting sensation during the exhalation.
Continue for 5 minutes, then allow the breath to return to normal.
Allowing the body to breath, sit for 5 more minutes focusing on the breath.

Reflections

Who am I really?
What veils are distorting how I experience the reality of myself?
How would I treat others if I could see through their outer form and recognize the pure inner light of consciousness within?

What does this remind me of? Other stories, scriptures, or teachings.

1.25, 2.19-22, 3.35-36, 49, 4.18, 34